American Forest & Paper Association Releases June 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 35 percent in May compared to May 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 30 percent in May compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased three percent when compared to April 2020. *Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 34 percent compared to May 2019, while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to April 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to April 2019, down 28 percent and 29 percent respectively. *U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in May decreased 31 percent compared to last May, while the inventory level decreased two percent compared to April 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to April 2019, down two percent and 25 percent respectively. *Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 36 percent compared to May 2019, while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to April 2020. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to April 2019, down 32 percent and 13 percent respectively. *U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in May decreased eight percent compared to last May while, the inventory level decreased three percent compared to April 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to April 2019, down 27 percent and 42 percent respectively.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. held a ceremony to inaugurate its new commercial-scale plant for the production of cellulose filaments at its Kénogami paper mill in Saguenay, Quebec. Cellulose filaments, also known as nanofibrillated cellulose, are a novel biomaterial derived from wood fiber, which can be used as a natural additive in many products to improve technical performance. Announced in 2020, the construction of the $27 million facility was part of a $38 million investment project in the company's Kénogami mill. Remi G. Lalonde, Resolute's president and chief executive officer, led the inauguration ceremony, also attended by Andrée Laforest, Quebec Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, as well as by local officials, dignitaries and Resolute employees.

Billerud's North America President, Robert Kreizenbeck, is leaving the company. “I would like to express a big thank you to Robert for his contributions during Billerud's startup phase in North America. He has been a key person in the integration work. I wish him all the best for the future”, says Christoph Michalski, Billerud’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Robert Kreizenbeck will be leaving Billerud later in March. A successor for the role will be announced in due course.